Inhibition by cyclothiazide of neuronal nicotinic responses in bovine chromaffin cells

1. The desensitizing acetylcholine (ACh) response of bovine chromaffin cells maintained in culture was examined using rapid agonist applications (of 2 s duration) which imposed nominal drug concentrations within 50 ms. This study was aimed, firstly, at identifying which of the alpha 3, alpha 4 and alpha 7 subunits known to be present in these cells is predominant in the ACh-evoked response and secondly, on the effects on these neuronal nicotinic ACh receptors (AChR) of cyclothiazide (CT), an agent acting as a modulator of a gating desensitization site on other ligand-gated channels. 2. Locally applied 100 microM ACh evoked peak currents (IACh) of -1.5 +/- 0.1 nA (n = 83) at a holding potential of -60 mV. The ACh dose-response curve yielded an estimated EC50 of 60 microM. This current was not sustained but desensitized during the application period; it displayed strong inward rectification, but desensitized equally whether the evoked current was inward or outward going. The latter observation excludes alpha 4 as a major contributor to the recorded current. Because the response was almost insensitive to a 1 microM alpha-bungarotoxin pretreatment (IACh = -1.2 +/- 0.1 nA; n = 6), and because 1, 1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (DMPP) works as a potent agonist (peak current = -1.9 nA, n = 2 for 100 microM DMPP), the alpha 7 subunit is also a minor contributor to the response. Taken together, these observations suggest a dominant alpha 3 type of response. 3. Triple exponential fits were used to describe the characteristics of the ACh-evoked currents; one component to fit the rising phase, with 2 components to describe the decay phase. The decay times were 100 ms and 4 s for the fast and slow components respectively. The rate of the slow decay component increased systematically with recording time, approximately doubling from its initial value within 20-40 min. Furthermore there was a gradual rundown of the response, seen first as a loss of the late component of the current, measured at 2 s, with the peak current amplitude decreasing later in the recording.4. CT, when coapplied with ACh, produced a dose-dependent inhibition of the ACh-evoked peak current. The effect showed little voltage-dependency with 100 microM CT producing 46 +/- 5% (s.d.; n = 3)and 47 +/- 8% (s.d.; n = 7) inhibition at -100 and -60 mV respectively. At + 60 mV, inhibition was estimated to be 26 +/- 7% (s.d.; n = 3).5. After pre-exposure of the cells to CT by bath application, 10 and 30 microM CT produced poorly reversible 20 +/- 9% (n = 7) and 42 +/- 5% (n = 4) inhibitions of the peak current respectively. There were no discernible effects on the fitted decay constants at any CT concentration tested, although an increased inhibitory effect of CT was observed at higher concentrations (100 microM) on the amplitude of the late component measured at 2 s.6. Similar effects were observed in conditions chosen to isolate the alpha 3 type of receptor: namely when using DMPP as an agonist, or after a-bungarotoxin pretreatment.7. The 2,3-benzodiazepine, GYKI 53655, is known to antagonize the action of CT on AMPA receptors.Coapplication of 50 microM GYKI 53655 with ACh (100 microM) produced a 29 +/- 4% inhibition of the peak ACh-evoked current and 44 +/- 6% inhibition of its amplitude at 2 s (n = 4). This response was fully reversible. Brief applications of both CT (100 microM) and GYKI 53655 (50 microM) with ACh via the microperfusion system produced a fully reversible inhibition that was not significantly different from the values obtained with either CT or GYKI 53655 alone, with 37 +/- 6% inhibition of peak and 61 +/- 9%inhibition of the amplitude at 2 s (n = 3).8. The results obtained suggest that the CT effect is to impede recovery from a slow desensitization,with a more pronounced effect with longer CT applications. Globally, CT favours the 'rundown state' of the neuronal nicotinic AChR.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha regulates nicotinic responses in mixed cultures of sympathetic neurons and nonneuronal cells

It is recognized that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a pleiotropic cytokine, influences hormone secretion and transmitter release from central neurons. To examine the role of TNF-alpha as a modulator of autonomic function of the PNS, we measured [3H]norepinephrine ([3H]NE) secretion evoked by 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium iodide (DMPP), a nicotinic agonist, in cultures from neonatal rat superior cervical ganglia (SCG). We found that (1) DMPP-evoked [3H]NE secretion was enhanced in SCG mixed cultures treated for 48 h with recombinant human TNF-alpha (rhTNF-alpha) plus rat interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) but not in cultures treated with either cytokine alone; (2) an increase in [3H]NE secretion was also observed in mixed cultures treated with recombinant murine TNF-alpha (rmTNF-alpha) alone; and (3) the presence of nonneuronal cells or soluble factors released by them was required for the effect of these cytokines on secretion. Electrophysiologic experiments revealed an increase in nicotinic receptor current density in neurons from mixed cultures treated with rhTNF-alpha plus IFN-gamma or with rmTNF-alpha when compared with control cultures. We conclude that prolonged exposure to rhTNF-alpha plus IFN-gamma or rmTNF-alpha regulates nicotinic responses in SCG cultures via a soluble factor or factors secreted by nonneuronal cells.

ATP stimulated catecholamine secretion: response in perfused adrenal glands and a subpopulation of cultured chromaffin cells

Extracellular ATP is shown to induce catecholamine secretion in bovine chromaffin cells. Our data indicate that cells in culture gradually increase their response to ATP, and we have separated freshly isolated cells on a density gradient and found that the lighter cells develop a much stronger response to ATP than do the heavier cells. To see if the ATP sensitivity is physiological, we have perfused intact adrenal glands. ATP induces a greater secretory response from glands than does acetylcholine without causing preferential secretion of norepinephrine or epinephrine. These data show that the response to ATP found in cultured cells is not an artifact of cell culture, and that ATP co-released with catecholamines from the storage vesicles may have a significant physiological role.

5'-(N-ethylcarboxamido)adenosine inhibits Ca2+ influx and activates a protein phosphatase in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

We investigated the effect of the adenosine receptor agonist 5'-(N-ethylcarboxamido)adenosine (NECA) in catecholamine secretion from adrenal chromaffin cells that exhibit only the A2b subtype adenosine receptor. NECA reduced catecholamine release evoked by the nicotinic agonist 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (DMPP) in a time-dependent manner. Inhibition reached 25% after 30-40-min exposure to NECA. This effect on DMPP-evoked catecholamine secretion was mirrored by a similar (27.7 +/- 3.3%), slowly developing inhibition of [Ca2+]i transients induced by DMPP that peaked at 30-min preincubation with NECA. The capacity of the chromaffin cells to buffer Ca2+ load was not affected by the treatment with NECA. Short-term treatment with NECA failed both to modify [Ca2+]i levels and to increase endogenous diacylglycerol production, showing that NECA does not activate the intracellular Ca2+/protein kinase C signaling pathway. The inhibitory effects of NECA were accompanied by a 30% increase of protein phosphatase activity in chromaffin cell cytosol. We suggest that dephosphorylation of a protein involved in DMPP-evoked Ca2+ influx pathway (e.g., L-type Ca2+ channels) could be the mechanism of the inhibitory action of adenosine receptor stimulation on catecholamine secretion from adrenal chromaffin cells.

Excitatory action of [Leu13]motilin on the gastrointestinal smooth muscle isolated from the chicken

The effects of a porcine motilin analogue, [Leu13]motilin (LMT) on the smooth muscle preparations isolated from the chicken gastrointestinal (GI) tract were investigated in vitro. In the proventriculus, LMT (100 nM to 30 microM) caused an atropine-sensitive contraction and enhanced the electrical field stimulation (EFS)- or 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenyl-piperazinium (DMPP)-induced contraction without affecting the response to acetylcholine (ACh). LMT also caused a concentration-dependent contraction of the intestinal tract (duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon). The responsiveness to LMT was strongest in the jejunum and weakest in the colon. The responses to LMT in the intestinal segments were not affected by tetrodotoxin, atropine, hexamethonium, pyrilamine, spantide, and 5-hydroxyltryptamine-induced desensitzation, but significantly decreased by verapamil or removal of external Ca2+. LMT did not enhance the EFS- or DMPP-induced contraction in the ileum. Canine motilin also contracted the intestinal segments in a similar concentration range to LMT with an equal potency, but erythromycin A (EMA) and N-ethyl-N-demethyl-8,9-anhydroerythromycin A, 6-9-hemiketal (EM523) showed only a weak contractile activity even at high concentration (up to 100 microM), indicating that motilin receptors in the chicken intestine were somewhat different from those of mammals. In conclusion, LMT produces an excitatory response in the chicken GI tract with a different sensitivity from region to region. The mechanisms of the action were different between the proventriculus and small intestine; that is, LMT contracts the small intestine through the direct action on the smooth muscle cells, but this peptide acts on the enteric cholinergic neurones and stimulates ACh release, and thus regulates autonomic neuroeffector transmission in the proventriculus.

Tonic adenosine A2A receptor activation modulates nicotinic autoreceptor function at the rat neuromuscular junction

The influence of the activation of presynaptic adenosine receptors on nicotinic autofacilitation of electrically evoked [3H]acetylcholine release from rat phrenic motor nerve terminals was investigated. Blocking the adenosine A2A receptor with 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX, 10 microM) greatly potentiated, whereas the adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX, 2.5 nM), partially prevented the facilitatory effect of the nicotinic receptor agonist, 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (DMPP, 1 microM, 3 min), on evoked [3H]acetylcholine release. The adenosine A2A receptor agonist, 2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamideadeno sine (CGS 21680C, 3 nM), but not the adenosine A1 receptor agonist, R-N6-phenylisopropyl adenosine (R-PIA, 300 nM), partially blocked the DMPP (1 microM) facilitation. Forskolin (3 microM) mimicked the attenuation caused by CGS 21680C; inhibition of adenylate cyclase with N-(as-2-phenylcyclopentyl)azacyclo-tridecan-2-imine hydrochloride (MDL 12,330A, 10 microM) markedly enhanced the facilitatory effect of DMPP (1 microM). Prolonged exposure to a high concentration of DMPP (10 microM, 15 min) decreased evoked tritium outflow. The decrease in evoked [3H]acetylcholine release following prolonged exposure to DMPP was augmented by pretreatment with CGS 21680C (3 nM) and forskolin (3 microM), and was abolished by inactivating endogenous adenosine with adenosine deaminase (0.5 U/ml). It is concluded that tonic adenosine A2A receptor activation regulates nicotinic acetylcholine autofacilitation. This action is likely to be mediated through an adenylate cyclase/cyclic AMP-dependent mechanism.

Nifedipine inhibits adrenal but not circulating catecholamine response to nicotinic stimulation in dogs

We investigated whether dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type Ca2+ channels are implicated in adrenal and sympathetic neural catecholamine release in response to nicotinic stimulation by 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (DMPP), a selective cholinergic nicotinic agonist, in dogs anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium. Plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations were measured in adrenal venous and aortic blood by a high-performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical method. In the vehicle control group, intravenous injection of DMPP (15 micrograms/kg iv) produced a significant increase in adrenal venous catecholamine output and aortic catecholamine concentration. These increasing responses were highly reproducible on the repetition of DMPP injection given 30 min after the first injection. In dogs receiving nifedipine (100 micrograms/kg iv), the net increase in adrenal venous epinephrine and norepinephrine output in response to DMPP was attenuated by 42% (P < 0.05), while no significant changes were observed in the aortic catecholamine response to DMPP. In dogs treated with pentolinium (1 mg/kg iv), both adrenal epinephrine and norepinephrine responses to DMPP were inhibited by 67% (P < 0.05) and 84% (P < 0.05), respectively. Furthermore, pentolinium inhibited aortic catecholamine response to DMPP by > 95% (P < 0.05). The present study suggests that DMPP-induced release of adrenal catecholamines was mediated, at least in part, through mechanisms involving dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type Ca2+ channels under in vivo conditions. By contrast, however, the results also suggest that dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type Ca2+ channels were not implicated in the neurotransmission at the level of sympathetic ganglions.

Cholinergic agonists increase intracellular calcium concentration in frog vestibular hair cells

Acetylcholine (ACh) is usually considered to be the neurotransmitter of the efferent vestibular system. The nature and the localization of cholinergic receptors have been investigated on frog isolated vestibular hair cells (VHCs), by measuring variations of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), using calcium sensitive dye fura-2. Focal iontophoretic ACh (1 M, 300 nA.40 ms) application induced a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i, reaching a peak in 20 s and representing about 5-fold the resting level (from 61 +/- 6 to 320 +/- 26 nM). Applications of muscarinic agonists as methacholine and carbachol induced weaker calcium responses (from 78 +/- 25 to 238 +/- 53 nM) than the one obtained with ACh applications. These muscarinic agonists were efficient only in precise zones. Desensitization of muscarinic receptors to successive stimulations was significant. Perfusion of nicotine or 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenyl-piperazinium (DMPP), a nicotinic agonist, induced an increase in [Ca2+]i only in some cells (4/28 with DMPP). These results indicated the presence of cholinergic receptors on frog VHCs: muscarinic receptors were more responsive than nicotinic receptors. Presence of muscarinic and nicotinic receptors in the membrane of VHCs could indicate different modulations of VHCs activity mediated by [Ca2+]i and involving an efferent control which represents a central regulation of the vestibular afferent message.

Presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors inhibit calcium influx in terminals of chicken sympathetic neurons and noradrenaline release evoked by nicotinic stimulation

The changes of intracellular calcium concentration evoked by stimulation of nicotinic receptors and its modulation by alpha 2-adrenoceptors were investigated in chicken sympathetic neurons grown in culture. Stimulation of nicotinic receptors increased the intracellular calcium both in the area of cell bodies and processes. In normal extracellular calcium (1.3 mmol/l), the specific alpha 2-adrenoreceptor agonist UK 14,304 (10 mumol/l) diminished the response in cell bodies but not in processes. The same treatment in medium with reduced calcium (0.13 mmol/l) resulted in the decrease of the response evoked by nicotinic stimulation in the area of processes but not in the cell bodies. The effect of UK 14,304 on evoked noradrenaline release paralleled its influence on intracellular calcium in processes. These data indicate that nicotine stimulation-induced influx of calcium is inhibited by alpha 2-adrenoceptor stimulation both in cell bodies and in processes. It is concluded that the nicotinic stimulation-evoked release of noradrenaline is triggered by influx of calcium through alpha 2-adrenoreceptor sensitive as well as insensitive pathways.

Nicotine protects cultured striatal neurones against N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated neurotoxicity

The role of cholinergic mechanisms in N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-mediated neuronal death was investigated using mouse striatal neurones in primary culture. A 30 min exposure of striatal neurones to increasing concentrations of NMDA resulted 24 h later in dramatic neuronal degeneration as assessed by MTT staining, crystal violet incorporation and determination of microtubule-associated protein 2. The NMDA-induced neurodegeneration was strongly inhibited by the co-application of two non-selective cholinergic agonists, acetylcholine or carbachol. This protective effect appears to be mediated by nicotinic receptors since it was insensitive to the muscarinic antagonist atropine but mimicked by nicotine, nornicotine and 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenyl-piperazinium. Moreover, the nicotine-evoked neuroprotection was inhibited by the central nicotinic antagonist hexamethonium. Therefore, this study suggests that cholinergic interneurones play an important role in neuronal survival in the striatum.

Calcium influx through neuronal-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptors present on the neuroendocrine cells of the porcine pars intermedia

The properties of neuronal-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) present on the neuroendocrine cells of the porcine pars intermedia of the pituitary were studied in intact single cell using measurements of the free intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca]i) with the calcium-sensitive dye fura 2. Local application of an extracellular solution containing 50 mM K+ or of the selective nAChR agonist, 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (DMPP) depolarised the cells and induced an elevation in [Ca]i. The effect of DMPP on [Ca]i was dose dependent (EC50 = 6 microM), reversibly blocked by d-tubocurarine and strictly dependent on the concentration of extracellular Ca2+. The calcium channel blocker Cd2+ (100 microM) reversibly blocked 80% of the response induced by 50 mM K+, whereas it reduced the DMPP response by only 50%. In the absence of extracellular Na+, DMPP no longer depolarised the cells but still increased [Ca]i. The rise in [Ca]i under these conditions represented 41% of the control response, i.e. in the presence of external Na+. Thus activation of nAChRs induced an elevation in [Ca]i which was in part independent of cell depolarisation. This was confirmed by recording simultaneously, under whole-cell voltage-clamp, a rise in [Ca]i associated with the inward nicotinic current. During prolonged application of the agonist (50 s), the amplitude of the nicotinic current decayed rapidly to a very low plateau level reflecting nAChR desensitisation. However, photometric experiments performed on intact non-dialysed cells revealed the presence of a slowly decaying phase in [Ca]i throughout the application of DMPP. This suggests the persistence of a substantial Ca2+ influx during prolonged exposure to the agonist. Taken together, our results show that stimulation of nAChRs induces an influx of Ca2+ which elevates [Ca]i. This phenomenon is due to activation of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and to Ca2+ entry through the nAChR.

Neuropeptide Y inhibition of nicotinic receptor-mediated chromaffin cell secretion

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a widely distributed peptide with varied activities, inhibits nicotinic receptor-induced [3H]norepinephrine ([3H]NE) secretion from bovine chromaffin cells. The secretion produced by membrane depolarization with high KCl concentrations or veratridine is not inhibited. Fragments of NPY, such as NPY18-36, are potent inhibitors of [3H]NE secretion, whereas [Leu31,Pro34]-NPY and peptide YY have no effect. The response to NPY18-36 is not sensitive to pertussis toxin pretreatment of chromaffin cells. NPY fragments also inhibit nicotinic receptor-induced 45Ca++ influx but not that induced by KCl or veratridine. The rank orders of potency for inhibition of [3H]NE secretion and 45Ca++ influx are the same: NPY18-36 > or = NPY26-36 > NPY13-36. NPY and NPYfree acid are weak inhibitors of secretion but not 45Ca++ influx. Moreover, the IC50s for NPY18-36 inhibition of [3H]NE secretion and 45Ca++ influx are comparable, 1.4 x 10(-6) M and 0.9 x 10(-6) M, respectively. Regression analysis produced a correlation coefficient of 0.9842 (P < .0001). It was concluded that NPY inhibits [3H]NE secretion by a modification of the nicotinic receptor-mediated increase in Ca++ influx. The characterization of the response suggests that the NPY effect is mediated by a previously undefined NPY receptor subtype that was designated Y4.

Quantitative measurement of calcium flux through muscle and neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

A new approach was developed to determine quantitatively the fraction of current carried by Ca2+ through an ion channel under physiological conditions. This approach entails the simultaneous measurement of membrane current and intracellular Ca2+ for single cells. Whole-cell patch-clamp techniques were used to measure current, and intracellular Ca2+ was monitored with the fluorescent indicator fura-2. To obtain a quantitative measure of the fraction of current carried by Ca2+, a cell-by-cell calibration method was devised to account for differences among cells in such factors as cellular volume and Ca2+ buffering. The method was used to evaluate the Ca2+ flux through muscle and neuronal nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs). In a solution containing 2.5 mM Ca2+ at a holding potential of -50 mV, Ca2+ carries 2.0% of the inward current through muscle nAChRs from BC3H1 cells and 4.1% of the inward current through neuronal nAChRs from adrenal chromaffin cells. The Ca2+ flux through neuronal nAChRs of adrenal chromaffin cells is insensitive to alpha-bungarotoxin. The influx of Ca2+ is voltage dependent, and because of the Ca2+ concentration difference across the cellular membrane, there is Ca2+ influx into the cell even when there is a large net outward current. At both muscle and neuronal cholinergic synapses, activity-dependent Ca2+ influx through nicotinic receptors produces intracellular signals that may have important roles in synaptic development, maintenance, and plasticity.

Possible role of nitric oxide in catecholamine secretion by chromaffin cells in the presence and absence of cultured endothelial cells

We studied the effect of cultured endothelial cells on the secretion of catecholamines by cultured bovine chromaffin cells. Chromaffin cell catecholamine secretion was stimulated by either boluses of potassium (K+) or the nicotinic agonist 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (DMPP). Endothelial cells inhibited the catecholamine release and stimulatory effects of K+ and DMPP. This inhibition increased with time, and in 25 min the initial stimulated secretory response (100%) to 30 mM K+ or 25 microM DMPP dropped to 45 +/- 3% and 53.5 +/- 2.3%, respectively. This endothelial cells-induced inhibition was blocked by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitors N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and N-monoethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), and by the guanylate cyclase inhibitor methylene blue, indicating that the L-arginine/nitric oxide/cyclic GMP pathway is involved in this endothelial cell-chromaffin cell interaction. In the absence of endothelial cells, incubation of chromaffin cells with L-NAME, L-NMMA, or methylene blue also augmented the secretagogue-induced catecholamine secretion, indicating that nitric oxide from chromaffin cells could be implicated in an autoinhibitory process of catecholamine release. These results provide indirect evidence for the presence of nitric oxide synthase in bovine adrenomedullary chromaffin cells. Our results show that there is an autoinhibitory mechanism of catecholamine release in chromaffin cells and that an additional level of inhibition is observed when cultured vascular endothelial cells are present. These two inhibitory processes may have different origins, but they appear to converge into a common pathway, the L-arginine/nitric oxide synthase/guanylate cyclase pathway.

Interaction between halothane and the nonadrenergic, noncholinergic inhibitory system in porcine trachealis muscle

BACKGROUND

Volatile anesthetics significantly affect cholinergic neural transmission in the airways and relax airway smooth muscle. Activation of the nonadrenergic, noncholinergic inhibitory neural pathway, which is thought to be mediated by nitric oxide, relaxes human and procine airways. The purpose of the current study was to determine in the isolated porcine trachealis muscle whether relaxation of airway smooth muscle by halothane is mediated in part by activation of the nonadrenergic, noncholinergic inhibitory system.

METHODS

Isometric tension was measured in porcine trachealis muscle suspended in tissue baths in the presence of propranalol (10(-6) M). After stimulation of postsynaptic nicotinic cholinergic receptors with 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenyl-piper-azinium iodide (10(-4) M) to prevent contractile responses to subsequent electrical field stimulation, carbachol (3 x 10(-7) M) was added to increase tone. Nonadrenergic, noncholinergic relaxation responses to electrical field stimulation were then measured in the presence of inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase or L-arginine (the substrate for nitric oxide synthase), in the presence and absence halothane.

RESULTS

Electrical field stimulation produced frequency-dependent relaxations that were attenuated by inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester [L-NAME] or NG-monomethyl-L-arginine, 10(-4) M). Pretreatment with L-arginine (10(-4) M) prevented the effect of L-NAME. Halothane (0.5% or 1.0%) neither enhanced nor attenuated nonadrenergic, noncholinergic relaxations in the presence of L-NAME, D-NAME, L-arginine, or D-arginine.

CONCLUSIONS

Halothane, at concentrations < or = 1.0%, does not relax porcine airway smooth muscle in vitro by activating the nonadrenergic, noncholinergic inhibitory system.

Neurally maintained hypersecretion in undernourished rat intestine activated by E. coli STa enterotoxin and cyclic nucleotides in vitro

1. The electrogenic secretory responses of stripped jejuna and ilea from chronically undernourished rats (50% control diet for 21 days) to the bacterial enterotoxin Escherichia coli STa, measured as the short-circuit current in vitro, show an enhanced maximum secretion (ISC, max) with a prolonged duration compared with fed intestine. 2. The ISC, max is unaffected by pretreatment of the intestine in vitro with hexamethonium, atropine, procaine or indomethacin, or by desensitization to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), while the prolonged duration is unaffected by atropine, indomethacin or 5-HT desensitization but is reduced by hexamethonium and procaine. 3. Both 8-bromo-cyclic GMP and dibutyryl cyclic AMP added serosally activate the enhanced ISC, max and its maintenance. Pretreatment with tetrodotoxin had no effect on the initial ISC, max but prevented its maintenance. 4. Bethanechol, dimethyl phenyl piperazinium, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, 5-HT and luminal propionate all induced the characteristic hypersecretory activity in the undernourished intestine compared with the fed state, but none could activate the maintenance circuit to prolong their transient responses. 5. Maintenance of the induced hypersecretory activity is the first example of induction of the neural control of intestinal secretion by the dietary intake level and illustrates the plasticity of the enteric nervous system.

Effects of Ca2+ channel antagonists on chromaffin cell death and cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations induced by veratridine

Exposure of bovine chromaffin cells to 30 microM veratridine for 24 h led to 70-80% cell death as reflected by phase contrast microscopy, trypan blue exclusion, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and cell catecholamine contents. Na+ deprivation, Ca2+ deletion or tetrodotoxin (5 microM) prevented the veratridine-induced cell damage. Nimodipine and verapamil, but not omega-conotoxin GVIA afforded 20-30% protection. Flunarizine protected the cells by 80% and R56865 by 60%. Stimulation of fura-2-loaded single bovine chromaffin cells with 30 microM of 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (DMPP) or 59 mM K+ caused fast increases in cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations, ([Ca2+]i). The [Ca2+]i rose from 0.1 to peaks of 1.9 microM, which quickly declined to near basal levels with a t1/2 of around 30 s. In spite of sustained stimulation with these two depolarizing agents, the [Ca2+]i remained low and did not undergo oscillations. In contrast, veratridine (30 microM) caused large and frequent oscillatory changes in the [Ca2+]i which were long-lasting and did not disappear even 30 min after washing out the toxin. The [Ca2+]i oscillations were reversibly suppressed by Na+ or Ca2+ removal and by 5 microM tetrodotoxin. Selective L-type Ca2+ channel blockers (10 microM nimodipine or verapamil) or N-type Ca2+ channel blockers (1 microM omega-conotoxin GVIA) did not affect the [Ca2+]i oscillations. In contrast, flunarizine or R56865 (10 microM each) suppressed the oscillations of [Ca2+]i. The results demonstrate that bovine chromaffin cells have the necessary machinery to develop prolonged and repetitive [Ca2+]i oscillations in the presence of veratridine; however, 'physiological' depolarizing stimuli did not cause oscillations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acetylcholine receptor agonists stimulate [3H]taurine release from rat sympathetic ganglia

The endogenous taurine content, and the uptake and release of [3H]taurine were examined using the rat superior cervical ganglion. Taurine was found to be one of the most abundant amino acids in the superior cervical ganglion, and the superior cervical ganglion took up [3H]taurine from the incubation medium. Carbachol stimulated the release of [3H]taurine in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 of 26 microM and maximal stimulation at 100 microM. The nicotinic receptor agonist 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium stimulated release with the same potency but with greater efficacy than carbachol. The nicotinic receptor antagonist hexamethonium (1 mM) inhibited carbachol-stimulated release by 74%. (+/-)-Muscarine stimulated release with an EC50 of 8 microM but with a maximal effect of only 32% of that produced by 100 microM carbachol. Oxotremorine, another muscarinic receptor agonist, was ineffective, even at 1 mM. The muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine inhibited carbachol-stimulated release by 30% at 10 microM. These results show that [3H]taurine release from rat superior cervical ganglion can be stimulated by cholinergic receptor agonists. Release is mediated predominantly by a nicotinic receptor and partially by a muscarinic receptor.

The effects of SB 204070, a highly potent and selective 5-HT4 receptor antagonist, on guinea-pig distal colon

1. The pharmacology of a novel 5-HT4 receptor antagonist, SB 204070 has been evaluated in the guinea-pig isolated distal colon longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus (LMMP). 2. SB 204070 is a highly potent antagonist of 5-HT-evoked cholinergically-mediated contractions in the guinea-pig distal colon. Low concentrations (10-100 pM) produced a shift to the right of the curve (apparent pA2 10.8 +/- 0.1) with no significant effect on the maximum response. With higher concentrations of SB 204070 (300 pM and above), the maximum response to 5-HT was reduced. 3. When tested against the partial 5-HT4 receptor agonist, BIMU 1, SB 204070 was active at similar low concentrations (10 pM and above) but produced a reduction in maximum, with no prior shift to the right of the curve, at all concentrations tested (10-300 pM). 4. The antagonism seen with SB 204070 is unlikely to be due to a non-selective effect since high concentrations (10 nM and 1 microM) of the compound had no effect on cholinergically-mediated contractions evoked by the nicotinic receptor agonist, DMPP, in the same preparation. SB 204070 is unlikely to be an irreversible antagonist since the effects of the compound could be reversed upon washing of the tissue. 5. Radioligand binding studies show that SB 204070 has a greater that 5000 fold selectivity for the 5-HT4 receptor over 5-HT1A, 5-HT1D, 5-HT1E, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, 5-HT3, GABAA, BDZ, TBPS, A1 adenosine receptors, alpha 1, alpha 2, beta 1, beta 2 adrenoceptors and D1, D2 and D3 dopamine receptors. 6. SB 204070 is a highly potent, highly selective 5-HT4 receptor antagonist and as such is an important new tool in evaluating the functional role of the 5-HT4 receptor.

Antinociceptive effects of carbachol microinjected into different portions of the mesencephalic periaqueductal gray matter of the rat

The changes in tail-flick latency (TFL) to noxious heating of the skin produced by the microinjection of carbachol (CCh) into the dorsal (dPAG), lateral (lPAG), and ventral (vPAG) portions of the mesencephalic periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) were studied in the rat. A significant increase in TFL was produced by CCh (0.2 microgram/0.5 microliter) microinjected into sites widely distributed within the PAG. The effect of CCh was stronger in the most caudal portion of the DPAG. Smaller effects were obtained after injection of CCh into the aqueduct, indicating that drug diffusion from the injection sites to the aqueduct lumen is unlikely to cause the antinociceptive effect of CCh. Dimethyl-phenyl-piperazinium (0.35 microgram/0.5 microliter), but not bethanechol (0.22 and 0.44 microgram/0.5 microliter), produced effects similar to CCh (0.2 microgram/0.5 microliter), when injected into the dPAG. The effects of CCh were inhibited by the previous administration of mecamylamine (1 microgram/0.5 microliter), but not atropine (1 microgram/0.5 microliter) or naloxone (1 microgram/0.5 microliter), into the dPAG. These results are indicative that antinociception produced by CCh from the dPAG depends on nicotinic, but not muscarinic or opioid mechanisms within the dPAG. The intraperitoneal administration of phenoxybenzamine (1 mg/kg) or mecamylamine (1 mg/kg), but not naloxone (1 mg/kg), methysergide (1 mg/kg), or atropine (1 mg/kg), inhibited the effects of CCh injected into the dPAG. In contrast, a higher dose of intraperitoneal phenoxybenzamine (5 mg/kg) was ineffective against the antinociception evoked by CCh when injected into the vPAG. Therefore, the effects of CCh from the dPAG may depend on the activation of centrifugal pathways involving both nicotinic and alpha-adrenergic mechanisms. In addition, the results indicate that different cholinergic substrates in the PAG may mediate both alpha-adrenergic and non-alpha-adrenergic descending pain mechanisms activated by the dPAG and vPAG, respectively.

Cardiac response to autonomic drugs in atria of diabetic mouse

Comparisons of chronotropic effects of sympathomimetic and parasympathomimetic agents were made in isolated atria from alloxan-induced diabetic and age-matched control mice. In atria from mice rendered diabetic for three months, the cardiac response to bethanechol was potentiated compared with that of the age-matched control atria. However, the cardiac responses of atria from alloxan-treated mice to noradrenaline, 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine and 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenyl piperazinium iodide were similar to those of the controls.

Nicotine tolerance in chromaffin cell cultures: acute and chronic exposure to smoking-related nicotine doses

Nicotine tolerance and dependence are key aspects of tobacco addiction; however, the cellular mechanisms underlying these phenomena are poorly understood. Adrenal chromaffin cells release catecholamines upon exposure to nicotine and with repeated exposure this response exhibits nicotine tolerance. Using bovine adrenal chromaffin cells in culture, we have demonstrated acute and chronic nicotine tolerance at doses relevant to that in the blood and tissues of smokers (10(-7) M to 10(-6) M). Chromaffin cells are preexposed to low doses of nicotine for time periods ranging from 10 min to 7 days and then subsequently challenged with a maximally stimulating dose of nicotine (10(-5) M) for 10 min, all at 37 degrees C. Preexposure to nicotine results in a depression of 45Ca uptake and catecholamine release upon subsequent nicotine challenge. Acute tolerance or desensitization of nicotine-stimulated catecholamine release begins to occur in minutes after preexposure to 10(-6) M nicotine at 37 degrees C. The depression of catecholamine release upon preexposure to nicotine is both dose and temperature dependent and is not seen with potassium-evoked release. Chronic exposure to 10(-7) M nicotine for 3 days led to a depression of the secretory response to approximately 70% of control responses. There was a trend toward recovery of full response by days 5 and 7 of 10(-7) M nicotine preexposure. Nearly complete depression of the nicotine-evoked release occurs within the first day of exposure to 10(-6) M nicotine and persists for at least a week of nicotine exposure at 37 degrees C.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The cholinergic pharmacology of the frog saccule

Stimulation of the efferent nerves to the vestibular organs of the frog's inner ear produces either facilitation or inhibition of afferent firing. Similarly, application of acetylcholine (ACH), the major transmitter of the efferents, can produce both facilitation and/or inhibition as previously reported [Guth et al. (1986) Acta Otolaryngol. 102, 194-204; Norris et al. (1988) Hear. Res. 32, 197-206]. The firing rates of afferent neurons of the semicircular canal (SCC) using multiunit recordings are generally facilitated by ACH. Conversely, the firing rates of afferent units innervating the saccule are generally inhibited by ACH. This latter inhibition is antagonized by strychnine more potently than by curare, which is more potent than atropine. When inhibition is antagonized by strychnine or curare an underlying facilitation is revealed. The inhibition of saccular afferents by ACH shows desensitization requiring about 20 min to recover. The ACH-induced inhibition is mimicked by nicotine at very high concentrations but not by dimethyl phenylpiperazinium or cytisine. The fact that multiunit afferent firing from the SCC is generally facilitated while that from the saccule is generally inhibited by ACH suggests a different distribution of ACH receptors and receptor types (i.e. muscarinic or nicotinic and their subtypes) in the two organs and demonstrates the usefulness of recording from multiple units simultaneously. The difference in distribution of ACH receptors may be important for understanding the physiology of vestibular efferents.

Evidence against a hypothesis of vestibular efferent function

Efferent stimulation and nicotinic agonists can either decrease or increase the frequency of occurrence of EPSPs recorded from VIIIth nerve afferents in the frog. It has been hypothesized that the distribution of hair cell resting membrane potentials overlaps the equilibrium potential dictated by the nicotinic-gated channels on the hair cells. Nicotinic mediated increases in EPSP frequency would then be due to depolarization of hair cells that were more hyperpolarized at rest, while decreases in EPSP frequency would be due to hyperpolarization of hair cells more depolarized at rest. In order to test this hypothesis, while recording from afferents which showed an increase in EPSP frequency due to bath application of the nicotinic agonist DMPP (1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperizinium iodide), hair cells were depolarized with 10 mM K+ in the bath, and then the effects of DMPP on EPSP frequency were assessed. In this situation, DMPP still increased EPSP frequency, suggesting that the equilibrium potential for the nicotinic-gated channel was much more positive than the resting potentials of the hair cells. An alternative hypothesis then seems likely, that the nicotinic receptors on hair cells are able to activate different iontophores that result in either hair cell depolarization or hyperpolarization, dependent upon which iontophore predominates in the hair cells innervating a particular afferent.